I've had saline under the muscle implants for 5 yrs. I got a deep tissue massage 1 week ago on my back. It was very uncomfortable for my boobs. After a while my left boob started to hurt a lot so she stopped. Afterwards when I looked at my left breast there was a small red bump which hurt to press on. My left breast is burning and hurts to press on. my nipple is sensitive. The bottom half of the areola hurts when i press on it where the valve is. did i damage the valve or tissue or chest muscle?

A: Difficult to know if the bump arose from the massage

Based on your provided information, it is difficult to know if the bump arose from the massage or was simply painful because of the massage. It is very possible that an infection in the skin became worse with the massage. If the lesion becomes worse or fails to improve in the next several days, it would be prudent to see your family doctor or surgeon. With your photos provided, I doubt there to be a problem with the implant itself.

I am 5'5 and 130lbs and a very small C cup, I wear a padded 34C and have some wiggle room. The doctor said I have quite a bit of breast tissue and very minimal sagging from breast feeding. I told him that I wanted a full C or very small D and he recommended a 400 CC implant. Will 400 CC be too big for me? I definitely don't want to push into a DD cup.

A: Would need an examination with measurement of breast base

Without an examination with measurement of breast base dimensions it is very difficult to determine the volume necessary to achieve your desired endpoint.

On 5/11/11 I had breast augmentation, under the muscle thru the armpit. The day after surgery I noticed the right breast was significantly more swollen/higher than the left and deep purple bruising appeared down the entire right side of my torso to my hip area. Three days after surgery a "new" bruise with slight lump appeared under the right breast and bruising has spread under the breast. Have seen my PS and he put me on muscle relaxers and icing every hour with follow up on 5/23/11. Normal?

A: Submuscular placement esp via axilla is more painful

Submuscular implant placement especially through the axilla is more painful with high degrees of swelling and bruising as the lower portion of the pectoralis often must be bluntly dissected in "blind" fashion to obtain an adequate pocket. It is not uncommon to have muscle spasms, pain, and more bruising than with the more direct approach with other incisions. This may take several weeks to improve.

I have consulted with and put non-refundable money down with a doctor who is a fully trained General Surgeon and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He has performed quite a few augmentations. However, after discovering that I have tuberous breasts with asymmetry, and that this takes some additional skill to treat, I am wondering, do I need to see a surgeon who specializes in this? Or should my doctor be capable of handling this?

A: Board Certified in Plastic Surgery is a great start

Board certification in plastic surgery is a great start. Now you need to learn about his experience and practice. Meet him for your consultation. Make a thorough list of questions and listen carefully to the explanations provided. Ask to see some photos of patients with treatments similar to you. Sometimes the office may offer to contact past patients so that you may discuss with them their experience. If you are not sure, seek another opinion before committing to a treatment plan. Good luck.

Hi- I recently discovered, and confirmed through MRI, an intracapsular rupture of my sub-muscular 410 cohesive gel implants. They are about four years old. My surgeon is recommending en bloc removal, however this also seems to be this doctor's standard operating procedure.

Is en bloc necessary with cohesives, and are the potential health risks significant either way? I would be extremely grateful for professional input.

A: Would favor removal

I favor removal with complete capsulectomy if possible. En Bloc sounds very severe but is not really more than a complete capsulectomy since this is still an intracapsular rupture. En bloc is much more substantial procedure for extracapsular rupture into the breast parenchyma.

While it remains an intracapsular rupture, risks of any problems are minimal. The problem is that we do not know when it may progress to an extracapsular disruption. For this reason, I favor removal while it is a relatively simple and easy procedure.

fluid build up in my right breast, ultrasound showed there is a thick film of capsular around my implant. Look swollen but no pain. I went to 2 surgeons, one said to remove implant without removing any capsules nor stitch up the implant pocket. While the other one will remove all capsules, stitch up pocket.

My implants are under the skin and they're saline. I have them for 7 yrs. Which one should i go with? Will the fluid goes away so i can leave them in since I have no pain? Please advise.Thx

You mentioned that you have saline implants for 7 years, yet they are ruptured with fluid and swelling. Saline ruptures lead to deflation and their treatment is by replacement usually with assistance of the manufacturer provided the parameter of the warranty are followed.

Silicone is a different matter. 7 years ago there was a moratorium on their placement. Ruptures silicones should probably be removed.

If you are having exchange of implant, then either a pocket exchange or capsulectomy would be wise since the capsules are thick according to your imaging studies.

I am 22 days out of BA surg texture silicone cohesive submuscular.Before sugery I was completely flat chest no cup at all I was hoping to be a small C Highest B cup but it doesnt seem that I am. My left breast is very soft and feel fine but my right breast is very high and slightly firmer. I am not in pain at all but I am right handed and not understanding why that breast isnt doing the same as left breast I am worried because the swelling is gone but right breast is so diff from left breast.

A: 22 days is still early

22 days is still early. Without preoperative photos it is difficult to know your starting point regarding symmetry. For now I would just let time work for you to let things settle.

I had breast cancer 23 years ago with reconstruction. My implants have been replaced once, 12 years ago, and these are now leaking. Will Medicare pay for replacement? I was not on Medicare when they were replaced 12 yrs. ago. I have no photos but had a breast MRI which showed the leakage.

A: Yes, by law insurance companies must cover

Medicare and private insurance cover must by law cover treatment for the reconstruction of a breast cancer patient. This includes the opposite normal breast to obtain symmetry.

He guided me in the choice of prosthesis and the size to make sure that they were still proportionated to my size. I did not hesitate to make an appointment a few days later to plan surgery.(translated from french)

One of the reasons why I chose this surgeon was that he does all the work himself, he does not delegate to nurses. He thus ensures personally that all his customers are satisfied at all times.(translated from french)

My chest was rather "deflated" and a "tubular" type which was bothering me a lot, and although it is not possible to completely change the shape of the breasts, Dr. Lee has almost made a miracle with mine!

From the first appointment its easy to see how much this doctor truly care about his patients. He is patient (God knows how many questions I kept asking!), he is kind, good listener and very realistic. I brought pictures with me of what I wanted and he explain to me why this was not feasible. He does not try to sell a false image or set false expectation to get a clients

Few months ago, I had a breast augmentation done by Dr.Chen Lee and it turned out beautiful ! I received many compliments from people who actually thought it was real and when i told them I had implants many couldn't believe it and wanted to touch it ..

I had a breast augmentation with Dr Lee in November, and couldn't be happier with the results. I consulted one other surgeon before I visited Dr. Lee, but as soon as I met him, I knew he was the surgeon for me

I had a very pleasant experience with the staff, everyone is friendly and always welcoming . I was very lucky , after my consultation Dr.Chen Lee accommodated me and I got my surgery quickly ! I was very happy because I wasn't able to get that anywhere else!

Excellent service, whether is is his secretary or the team of nurses and the anesthesiologist and Dr. Lee himself.He takes the time necessary during the consultation and strives to inform us of everything, we do not feel pressure. Also, he is always on time and very punctual.(translated from french)